Bucs confirm third player diagnosed with MRSA infection

The Bucs have confirmed that a third player has been diagnosed as having a MRSA staph infection, though that player has not been identified.

The team is expected to address the situation during a 1:45 p.m. news conference with general manager Mark Dominik, as well as Dr. Deverick Anderson, a physician specializing in epidemiology and infection control from Duke's Infection Control Outreach Network, which has been working with the Bucs since their initial diagnosis before the season started.

Bucs guard Carl Nicks and kicker Lawrence Tynes are known to have MRSA; Nicks was confirmed Thursday as having a recurrence of the infection in his left foot.

Nicks has not been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Eagles, though he was not at practice Friday. Also absent were receiver Mike Williams, who has been listed as having "limited participation" this week due to a hamstring injury. Rookie cornerback Johnthan Banks, who has no known injuries, was also absent from practice without immediate explanation.

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